The early evening sun had just begun to set over the House , projecting amber shadows onto the wallpaper at the west wall of the lounge lizard enclosure .
With only the dulcet drone of the domino players voices to meet the challenge of the rattle of the stage coach (No 9 Shire lodge bound) as it made it's way up the hill .
But this peace and tranquillity was soon to be punctured when suddenly the saloon doors were flung open wide and there stood a stranger with his back to the fading light. a man with determination written in his eyes and with definite purpose in his gait as he made his way through the sprawling customers to find a gap at the bar.
"Half of Old Brew" he called to the Bar Wench as if he owned the place !
All eyes were by now intensively staring at this stranger who appeared oblivious to their attentions he remained cool ,calm and collected .
He was turning around to pull up a chair in the horseshoe when Big Hands O'neil tapped him on the shoulder and with an out stretched hand said
"Didn't catch your name stranger"," didn't offer it " he replied and strolled over to his table in the corner from where he continued to observe the antics of the thirst quenchers around him.
Soon the bar finding no sport with this loner returned to their daily pursuits of gambling and ramblings leaving him well alone.
When next they turned around he was gone,leaving only an empty half pint glass as testament to his ever having being there at all.
Yet every one there felt the emptiness of his departure as much as the charismatic opulence of his appearance.
'WHO WAS THAT STRANGER ?
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